Central Coast Film Network: Empowering Local Filmmakers to Dream Big and Create Locally
Santa Cruz / Monterey County — The Central Coast Film Network (CCFN), under the guidance of co-founders Gabriel Medina and Genevieve Rico, both born and raised in Watsonville, announce a series of initiatives aimed at invigorating the film community within the Central Coast. Leveraging Medina's training from UCLA and the USC Peter Stark Producing Program, along with Rico's cinematic training from CSUMB's Cinematic Arts & Technology program, CCFN is ready to connect local filmmakers across the region to foster collaboration and elevate the film scene. Download the 2024 program schedule here.
Central to CCFN's mission is the fostering of a vibrant filmmaking community through screenings, such as their inaugural events Reel Mujeres, a showcase celebrating the achievements of women filmmakers from the Central Coast, and The Reel Exchange, networking events designed to connect filmmakers across different disciplines in the filmmaking process. These events are part of CCFN's broader strategy to enhance the networking of local talent throughout the year, promote collaboration, and create more opportunities for filmmakers within the region.
Medina and Rico envision a future where the Central Coast is renowned for its vibrant film industry, offering ample opportunities for local creatives. "Our goal is to retain our homegrown talent by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to succeed," explains Medina. "By providing skills training and fostering collaboration amongst our filmmakers we can create and attract jobs in our area and compete in major festivals to bring big budgeted projects to the area who will hire our local filmmakers.”
Through innovative collaborations, including Medina's feature film project, They Know Not What They Do, with rising horror film director Oscar Ramos and actor Manny Hernandez Gonzalez of Netflix’s Cobra Kai, CCFN demonstrates the rich potential of local filmmakers when paired with industry professionals. These efforts not only highlight the Central Coast's capacity for filmmaking but also attract larger productions that can lead to more opportunities for filmmakers in the area.
As a Latino-led organization, CCFN is committed to creating a diverse local film ecosystem that encourages filmmakers from all backgrounds in the region to collaborate and share their stories. "We're building a community where diversity in storytelling is not just welcomed, it's essential," emphasizes Rico.
CCFN invites filmmakers, actors, and all film supporters to join its upcoming events, including its inaugural events Reel Mujeres on March 29 and The Reel Exchange, Actor & filmmakers networking event, on April 19 at Watsonville’s new art co-working space, Arte del Corazón. Participants are encouraged to engage with the network to access resources, industry professionals, and support for their film projects.
Founded with the mission of bridging the gap between local filmmakers and the broader film industry, CCFN promotes diversity, community engagement, and professional development. Through its initiatives, CCFN aims to establish the Central Coast as a vibrant destination for filmmakers and storytellers.
Donate to our organizations so we can continue growing and supporting our local filmmakers!
Send a check to
80 Airport Blvd. Suite 206
ATTN: Central Coast Film Network
Watsonville, CA 95076
Contact Information
Email: centralcoast@filmnetwork.info
Website: filmnetwork.info
Instagram: @cc.filmnetwork
Facebook: facebook.com/ccfilmnetwork
2024 Film Submissions
